Visas, security and access to services for Hongkongers living in the UK

Over the last several years, relations between the UK and China have deteriorated sharply. In 2020, China imposed a new National Security Law for Hong Kong. The UK considers that the law violates the agreements made between the UK and China to govern the handover of Hong Kong to Chinese sovereignty in 1997.

In response, the Johnson government announced plans to allow Hongkongers with British National (Overseas) status to move to the UK. Over 150,000 people have since arrived on what has become known as the BN(O) visa.

BN(O) visa holders have broadly unrestricted entitlements to work or study in the UK and are eligible for permanent residence (indefinite leave to remain) after five years in the UK and for British citizenship after six years.

Like most migrants in the UK without permanent residence, Hongkongers on BN(O) visas have restrictions on their access to public services. They are required to pay an immigration health surcharge for access to the NHS and usually have no recourse to public funds, which means that they are mostly ineligible for welfare benefits and social housing. Third-level students are also ineligible for for home fee status or student finance in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Security concerns remain for Hongkongers living in the UK, including in relation to the extraterritorial effect of the National Security Law and reports of Chinese ‘police service stations’ in London and Glasgow.